Fake Pass Scandal Exposed at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, March 16 (NationPress) - In a startling announcement during the State Legislative Council, Maharashtra's Industry Minister Uday Samant disclosed that counterfeit passes were available for sale, ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000, amid the current budget session.
According to Minister Samant, inquiries have indicated that the fraudsters utilized color photocopies of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) letterhead to forge official documents. By replicating the signatures and names of department officials, they managed to circumvent established security measures.
Additionally, the Minister alleged that several peons were involved in the distribution of almost 50 fraudulent passes.
This revelation arises despite stringent security protocols implemented following a recent bomb threat, highlighting a significant security breach at the Vidhan Bhavan.
Reports have surfaced indicating that multiple individuals gained unauthorized access to the highly secure facility using these counterfeit passes. Just two days prior, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar had issued directives to enhance entry regulations.
These regulations were designed to limit access strictly to legislators, Cabinet Ministers, and authorized government personnel.
The heightened security measures were enacted after an anonymous email warned of a potential explosion at the Vidhan Bhavan.
While the threat was ultimately deemed a hoax following an exhaustive search, the Minister's disclosure of a “pass-for-cash” scheme has cast serious doubts on the security framework of the facility.
Nationalist Congress Party MLC Amol Mitkari expressed his concerns on social media, questioning how certain activists could enter and remain on the premises throughout the day.
“Even during a high-security alert, some activists were observed inside, dining in the canteen and distributing selected books. Who is accountable for allowing these individuals entry when security was supposed to be at its peak?” he inquired.
In response to this alarming situation, Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde has mandated the establishment of an inquiry committee.
He assured the assembly that strict actions would be taken against those found responsible before the conclusion of the current Assembly session.
Furthermore, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Rural), Pankaj Bhoyar, stated that a final resolution on this matter would be made following the formal report from the investigative agency.